• 8th Grade Physical Science, South Brandywine Middle School

    Mr. Menaker, Room 8, menakerj@casdschools.org  www.southbsci.com

     

     
    Course Overview:

    This course will emphasize the interaction of matter and forces in natural systems.

    • Nature of Science and Scientific Inquiry

    • Matter  (Properties, Uses, Measuring, Describing)

    • Interactions of Matter (Chemical Properties and Reactions)

    • Atomic Theory

    • Forces and Motion

    • Electricity and Magnetism

     

    Student Expectations:

    Science is a community discipline.  Scientists frequently collaborate and share their work.  Scientists work to challenge and provoke further investigation in each others’ work.  This course will encourage student participation and discussion.  Students are expected to arrive each day prepared to participate in class activities, discussions, and class labs.  Many course activities may involve collaboration and discussion.  Students are expected to promote a respectful and supportive environment at all times.

     

     
    Course Components:

    Throughout the course, these activities may be involved:

    • Reading and Discussion (Textbooks, Journals, Current Topics, Science Fiction)

    • Lab Activities, Lab Reports, Projects

    • Current Events

    • Quizzes and Tests

    • Homework

    • Science Fair

    Technology:

    When practical many activities will be completed using media resources such as simulations, wikis, blogs, and interactive software.  When using technology in class, students are expected to use the resources and connections solely for the intended activity purposes and in accordance with the CASD Internet Use Policy and with the same respect and support as in classroom interaction.  Students are expected to treat technology resources with respect, preventing damage to hardware or software changes.

     

     
    Grading will be based on:

    25% Classwork (Includes attendance, participation, and lab activity)

    30% Quizzes (May include Projects and Labs)

    35% Tests (Includes Projects and Science Fair)

    10% Homework (May include lab reports, current events, Journal and Scribe Activities)

     

    Discussions and Dialog

    All students are expected to participate in all classroom discussions and dialogs.  Science is a collaborative process and works best with full involvement.  Everyone is encouraged to ask questions to seek full understanding or challenge current models.  These questions and discussions must be conducted in a respectful manner.  Due to sequencing of the course, some discussions may be shortened or questions not immediately answered, but you may make an appointment to see me outside of your class session.

     


    Safety

    Due to the nature of our activities, there must be strict adherence to provided safety procedures.  These procedures will be explained and reviewed with you.  Acting safely and responsibly during our activities will provide better outcomes of experimental procedures; protection from personal injury and harm; preservation of equipment and supplies.  Students not following safety standards will be excluded from lab activities.  Alternate assignments may not be available for a student unable to complete an assignment due to unsafe behavior.  Students will be responsible for their supplies and equipment and will be asked to provide for replacement of damaged equipment.

     

    Additional Resources and Help

    Leaving class confused or uncertain of the topics does not benefit you or anyone else.  Seek your best understanding by asking questions or asking for help.  It may not be possible to address all concerns during class.  If you would like additional assistance beyond the allotted class period, see me to make an appointment.  Additional assistance is intended to supplement the class experience, not replace missed learning due to inattentive, uncooperative, or disruptive behaviors.

     

    Textbooks, Materials, and Equipment

    You are responsible for all books, materials, and supplies provided to you for your use during this class.  Treat each item with care and respect to avoid damage and replacement costs.  Lost, damaged, vandalized, or broken items will be replaced at your expense.  One copy of each worksheet, assignment, or handout is provided to you.  Replacements for most handouts and worksheets are available for you to print on your own.

     

    South B Sci and Remind.com

    Class materials, references, and additional resources will be available through http://www.southbsci.com  Copies of many of the assignments, notes, and presentations used in class will also be avaialble through South B Sci. Students and parents are encouraged to review southbsci.com frequently for news, resources, and homework information.  A service offered through remind.com will allow receipt of messages and updates such as homework notices, test and project reminders.  

     

    Attendance

    Science is a collaborative process.  It is difficult to collaborate when you are not present.  You will be responsible for all missed items, including notes, assignments, activities, and quizzes or tests.  Unless prior arrangements have been made, it is expected that all assignments will be submitted upon your return and any quizzes or tests missed will be completed upon return.  Items missed due to unexcused, illegal, or class cutting absences may not be available to you.

     

     

    Academic Integrity

    Academic Honesty requires that all students complete the work for this course. Students are to refrain from cheating or submitting the work of others as their own. Students must properly cite and reference all ideas, statements and language from others. The intellectual property of others includes content found in print publications and internet resources. Intellectual property includes all digital resources such as, imagery, animation, video, sound and other creative products.